The Sound 12-04-25

December 4, 2025

Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 49

100 Years of Christmas Memories at Fair

By Nicholas Checker

In the film adaptation of Ayn Rand’s novel “The Fountainhead,” starring Gary Cooper, the idealistic Howard Roark declares that a building has character and integrity, just like a person.

The clergy and community that comprise

those who conduct and attend services at the First Congregational Church of Branford (founded in 1644) feel precisely that way about their cherished house of worship. Its current building was constructed in 1847, and its venerable history harbors longtime aid, comfort, and support for the people of Branford and its surrounding communities — validating the character and integrity

implied in the statement by Rand’s fictional Howard Roark.

Witness this year’s 100th anniversary of the church’s annual Christmas Fair that will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the church grounds at 1009 Main St., Branford. Not only is it the First

See 100 Years of Christmas page 11

Waving

Santa and

Mrs. Claus

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph arrive at the Branford Town Green on Nov. 29 during the annual Christmas parade in Branford. The arrival was followed by a tree-lighting ceremony, after which families were able to pose for photos with Santa.

Rich Benoit com

will be playing the baritone at the upcoming performance of Tuba Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Clinton.............................2

Dominance on the Field

The Branford football team earned a decisive win in the annual Thanksgiving rivalry game vs. East Haven last week...................19

Holiday Cookie Recipes

Check out the recipes for several different types of shortbread cookies for the holiday season.................23

Special to Shore Publishing

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

Rich Benoit: Time for Tuba Christmas

By Rita Christopher

Senior Correspondent

At music night, when parents came to pick instruments for their elementary school children in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Rich Benoit had given his mother very specific instructions: He wanted to play the flute.

But there were no more flutes left when she got there. She took a clarinet instead. When she got home, Rich cried.

Ultimately, he got the flute but along the way, also learned to play the trumpet, the French horn, the mellophone and most recently, the baritone horn, sometimes also called the euphonium, though the two instruments have some differences.

Rich will be playing the baritone at the upcoming performance of Tuba Christmas on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. in the auditorium at the Morgan School in Clinton. The event, which is free and requires no tickets, features players of the lowest brass instruments from the entire Shoreline

area, as well as some who travel farther distances to participate.

Rich will also be playing with the Old Lyme Town band in its annual Christmas Concert at The Kate on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

At Tuba Christmas, the assembled low brass perform a selection of Christmas carols for the audience to sing including favorites like Silent Night, Jingle Bells and O Little Town of Bethlehem, as well as playing instrumental holiday music and giving demonstrations of the different low brass instruments.

The program is directed by Gary Buttery, now retired but long the principal tuba of the U.S. Coast Guard Band along with Ray Smith, who, before his retirement, taught band and music in

the Clinton Schools for 36 years and is now the Assistant Director of the New Horizons Band at the Community Music School, and Vidal Orduz, site coordinator, who is a current music and band instructor in Clinton.

Tuba Christmas, which started with an outdoor concert in 1974 at Rockefeller Center in New York now has holiday concerts throughout the United States and in a number of foreign countries as well.

Rich has been participating in Tuba Christmas since 2007, though not he admits every year. As a practicing dentist, he sometimes had appointments on Saturdays. But when he was able to come, he came in full regalia. Participants are encouraged to decorate their instruments for the season and wear holiday-inspired garb themselves. Rich taped antlers to the bell of his euphonium and wore what he describes

See Rich Benoit page 8

Photo submitted

Rich Benoit with his euphonium and antlers as he gets in a festive

A Rivalry Fulfilled

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Published by Shore Publishing, LLC ©2025 All Rights Reserved ISSN www.zip06.com • 203-245-1877

Branford High Music Soars Dec. 9

By

Richard Bach’s renowned tender tale of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, about a young gull daring to fly beyond the flock and soar high enough to touch excellence, is a warm and inspirational journey — especially for young readers striving to do the same in their own way. At Branford High School, under the mentorship of Fine Arts Director Michael Martone, that journey, in the demanding realm of music, has become a reality for the talented students in his program.

The Branford Music Makers had long represented their school, community, families, and themselves with pride, performing as far away as the Czech Republic, Prague, and even before the Pope in Rome, as well as across the United States. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., they are scheduled to serve as the backup choir for the band Foreigner at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, the result of winning a contest through WPLR.

Soaring high enough to touch excellence? Flying beyond the flock? For these students, these ideals have become routine. But how did it all begin?

The story starts back in 1984 when then-choral director, Cathyann Roding founded and built the program over 35 years. During that time, she scouted and trained a promising young musician, noting his skill and dedication. Roding retired in 2017 and then encouraged her former student — now teacher — Michael Martone to apply for her old post.

With that, the musical torch was passed.

Martone has now carried forward the work his mentor had prepared him for.

The 45-year-old former protégé is now the head of Fine Arts for the Branford Public Schools and the choral director for three choirs.

“Our program has a lot of community connections, and that’s one of its core principles,” Martone said. “Among the reasons it has grown is its quality and the way it serves the community. That encourages people to become a part of it. We have a big traveling component, which has enhanced our program immensely.”

Martone also believes the high expectations set down early on by Roding helped shape the remarkable, wide-ranging tours enjoyed by the 10th-12th-grade performers.

“That expectation component is something I believe to be lacking in education,” he said. “But if you raise the bar high enough, students will deliver. And the community has invested in us emotionally. It’s all about audiences experiencing the performers’ passion.”

Among the major players helping Martone advance the program is Branford Tech Education teacher Jonathan Cap. Martone also credited the many supportive parents, faculty, and administrators, as well as students’ willingness to take on leadership roles. He especially praises their strong sense of ensemble.

With the tenacity of a tradition begun by Roding and continued by Michael Martone, the Branford High Music Makers will continue to exchange passions with these dedicated young performers.

“Our future is going to be in the growth and quality of our program, not in its size,” Martone said. “It’s about understanding the different cultures and communities, and especially the value of giving back.”

To borrow a line from Mark Twain: It’s not the size of the choir, but the size of the song in the choir.

Tickets for the Branford Music Makers’ joint performance with Foreigner could be purchased through the Oakdale Theater’s website at toyotaoakdaletheatre.com.

Photo submitted

Members of the Branford Music Makers will have a joint performance with Foreigner at the Oakdale Theater’ Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m.,

Special to Shore Publishing

Nicholas Checker

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Eric O’Connell Harbor News

Gabrielle Maljanian Sports Editor

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Editorial Staff

please j oin us on December 11 th for our annual

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Sho p, Sip & Stro ll

Grab a complimentary Lenny’s spiked eggnog & enjoy 10% off the entire store. please j oin us on December 11 th for our annual

Grab a complimentary Lenny’s spiked eggnog & enjoy 10% off the entire store.

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Obituaries

Obituary Michael A. D’Onofrio Branford

Michael A. D’Onofrio of Branford passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. He was the loving husband of 59 years to Judith Ferretti D’Onofrio. Michael was the father of Nancy Anderson (Paul) of Hamden, Michael D’Onofrio of Branford and Dianne Acquarulo (Jerry) of Branford. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Madison Acquarulo, Lauren Anderson, Paul Anderson Jr., and Kara Anderson.

Michael was born in New Haven on Jan. 31, 1936, the son of Anthony and Philomena D’Onofrio. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he graduated from Army Intelligence School and worked for the C.I.C.

Michael was also a graduate of Hartford State Technical College. He then went on to graduate from the Univer-

sity of New Haven where he earned degrees in both Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. He worked for the Olin Corporation in New Haven in the Metals Research Lab for over 30 years.

Outside of his family and his religion, Michael’s greatest love was being outdoors working in his yard. His most prized accomplishment is the beautiful stone wall he built in his backyard.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial followed at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford.

Friends visited from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Yale New Haven Health at Home Hospice, 753 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437, or to St. Mary Church, 731 Main St. Branford, CT 06405. Please see his online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.

Rich Benoit: Time for Tuba Christmas

Continued from page 2

as “pretty outrageous” Christmas t-shirts.

Growing up in Gloucester, Rich played in an award-winning high school band where practice consumed much of his free time. By the time he got to Boston College, he had had enough.

“I took a 24-year vacation,” he says.

Then a friend who played in the Old Lyme Town Band suggested Rich join. He took some flute lessons at the Community Music School but when he saw the large number of flute players in the band, he wondered if any more were needed.

The friend, who played the baritone, suggested he could teach Rich how to play the instrument. Since the friend was at that point the only baritone in the band, Rich agreed, and finding a used baritone for $50 began what turned out to be informal lessons and cocktail hour.

Rich’s father, a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, had wanted him to go into that specialty. But Rich was aware, given that babies tend to born at

night, of how many family and school events his father had missed as a result of his practice.

Instead, Rich chose dentistry and graduated from Tufts Dental School. Before graduation he had already joined the Navy.

“My dad served and I wanted to,” he says.

His started as a dentist at Parris Island with the Marines, but first like all service personnel he had to go through basic training.

“Run, run, salute,” he recalls. He served three years active duty, first on shore rotating through different dental specialties and then aboard ship, and added six years in the Reserves.

Rich has had an office in Old Saybrook since 1994, now practicing with Lifelong Dental. He also teaches twice a week at Goodwin University in East Hartford in a program concentrating on dental hygienists.

See Rich Benoit page 11

See Obituaries page 9

Obituary

Frank Silvestro

Branford

Beloved husband of Geraldine Silvestro, Frank was born Oct. 31, 1940. He is the son of the late Frank Silvestro and Leah Torello Silvestro.

His life started and ended living in Branford with several years of living in Foxon, East Haven as well. He grew up on Palmerwood Circle. He met his wife at a dance in New Haven where she decided to dance with him because of his convertible Cutlass Supreme. They were married Sept. 12, 1964, and celebrated 61 years together.

lover. He could be heard down the street with his music blasting from his car. Both he and Gerri loved gardening which is evidenced by all the various types of flowers, plants, bushes and roses found at their home. He was an avid trap and skeet shooter and belonged to several gun clubs over the years. During this time, he built many long lasting relationships with the people he shot with and looked forward to being with them.

Frank and Gerri were ballroom dancers and they both loved to travel during their marriage to many locations to including Spain, Bermuda, Mexico and the Bahamas. They also had many family vacations together when their children were younger.

Frank was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Fort Nathan Hale for four years and was honorably discharged in 1966. Frank was an auto mechanic his whole life. He spent many years as a mechanic for his father at Silvestro’s Garage on Poplar Street in New Haven which opened in 1947. He ran the garage full time in the mid 1980s for many years and retired twice during that time.

Always looking to stay busy, he went on to be an instructor at Porter and Chester Institute and then a mechanic at Branford Auto Center before finally retiring for good in 2005.

Quick witted, he had the ability to make others laugh easily and was always telling stories and jokes as he loved being the center of attention. He was an avid book reader and pop music

In addition to Geraldine "Gerri," he is survived by his two children, Susan (Dennis) Shanoff of Gilsum, N.H. and Frank Silvestro Jr. (Erin McGuire) of Guilford. He also leaves behind his sister Jeanne Connolly of Branford. Relatives and friends were invited to a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Funeral service and burial are private.

Frank loved animals and our family had all kinds of pets growing up. In lieu of flowers we would you to make a taxdeductible donation to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter. A link will be available on their web page or you can send then to: Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford, 749 E Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405.

100 Years of Christmas Memories at Fair

Continued from page 1

Congregational Church of Branford’s biggest fundraiser of the year (last year’s total: $11,000), it offers an unprecedented array of goods and gifts to those fortunate to attend in a tradition dating back to 1925.

“I may be biased, but I believe we have the best fair in New England,” said the Rev. Joe Perdue, who proudly recounts the extensive variety of delights offered at the annual Christmas Fair. More significantly, the vital humane role the church undertakes on behalf of surrounding communities is part of the tradition as well.

“We have the usual yard sale items for sale, along with high-end gifts like antiques, jewelry, books, and a large children’s toy section,” he said. “And we have homemade, crafted items created by our volunteers. There will also be a raffle with beautiful prizes and gift cards donated by local businesses, in honor of our fair’s 100th anniversary.”

Main organizers are Elaine Keith and Rosie DeCrosta.

Perdue, minister since 2021, also points out some additional specials: “We will be raffling off themed baskets … as well as including Broadway Memorabilia donated by an actual Broadway chorus member, though these are more for cast and crew members from the show.”

He adds to the list of specials an extensive group of foods for people to purchase and take home, and an additional convenience for fair goers:

“We’ll have on the grounds a cafeteria that will be serving breakfast and lunch, featuring our highlighted tasty clam chowder. And we are one of the few fairs

Want a Call from Santa?

that take credit cards for purchases.”

Perdue adds that traditional Christmas music will be piped in as ambient background and that live musicians will also be on hand to perform holiday-themed jam sessions.

“This annual fair helps pay for a lot of what we do,” he said. “We are a very mission- and justice-oriented church.”

And what exactly does Perdue mean by that? It has a lot to do with a building holding character and integrity…driven by the hearts and souls of the people who breathe life into it.

“We are partners with the Food Pantry and the Community Dining Room,” he explains. “And we are also regular partners with IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services.) We partner with Branford Builds … the volunteers for home repairs for people with limited means or abilities, housing those in need of homes. And there’s our Take-a-VetFishing, founded by our church in 2007.”

Perdue added that funds raised from the annual Christmas Fair also help operate the Killam’s Point Day Camp for youth and Camp Totolatt, founded in 1996 for children in the Greater New Haven area who suffer from HIV and other types of trauma.

For a church that also shows in its history the origins of Yale University, which includes a memorable link between the location of a onetime storage area for ministers’ books, and the current church’s Communion table, it would be a massive understatement to say it indeed holds a storied past.

“We will keep doing this as long as there’s public interest and support for it,” said Perdue.

The Branford Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department is hosting a Calls from Santa program from Monday, Dec. 8, to Wednesday, Dec. 10. The program is for ages 10 and under. Registration is required. For more information, call Branford Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department at 203-488-8304 or visit the holiday events link at branfordct.myrec.com/info/activities.

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission at its November 20, 2025 Regular Meeting: 1. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AND CONTINUED TO DEC. 11, 2025 MEETING: Appl. #2025-9, West Pond Road – Re-subdivision of property to create five (5) residential lots with frontage/access on Glenwood Road. Owner/Applicant: BC Investment Properties LLC, Bruno Ciccone Robert Nowak, Chairman

Rich Benoit: Time for Tuba Christmas

Continued from page 8

In his free time, he has recently taken up woodworking, creating a workshop in his basement and embarking, with the help of a friend who is a professional craftsman, on a serious of ambitious projects including cigar humidors and a number of jewelry boxes.

“I see people all day. This is a quiet time for me,” he says.

Even if the projects he builds are not for him there is always a reward, “Every time I start a new project, I buy myself a new tool,” he admits.

He also likes to do some auto repairs and is thinking of once again taking flying lessons to get his private pilot’s license.

Whatever else, there is always time for

Sign up for Gift Delivery

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 14, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is: ANNE ENDYKE STONE, LAW OFFICE -ATTORNEY ANNE STONE, 135 SADDLEBROOK PATH, SOUTHINGTON, CT 06489

music. “Even when I am tired, when I don’t feel like going to band, I get the baritone and sounds come out. It’s the endorphins, the harmonies,” he says. “Maybe it’s the artistic urge coming out after pursuing sciences for so long.”

December 6, 1 p.m.

Morgan School, 71 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton

Admission is Free

Tuba Christmas Old Lyme Town Band

Annual Holiday Concert

December 17, 7 p.m.

The Kate, Old Saybrook

Tickets at Box Office

The Branford Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department and the Branford Volunteer Firefighters are hosting a Santa gift delivery event on the week of Monday, Dec. 15. For those who want to have a gift delivery by Santa, gifts must be no larger than a shoebox, wrapped, and dropped off at the Recreation Department, Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, by Friday, Dec. 5. Registration is required and limited to Branford residents. The cost for the delivery is $30 per household. For more information, call Branford Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department at 203-488-8304 or visit the holiday events link at branfordct.myrec.com/info/activities.

Dr. Anthony Bellucci, DMD Dr Vinnie Gupta, DDS

Obituaries Continued from page 9

Obituary

Josephine Farricielli

Branford

Josephine “Jo” (DeCaprio) Farricielli passed away peacefully in her home in Branford, on Nov. 16, 2025. Josephine was born on Nov. 30, 1919, in New Haven to Antonio and Raffaela (Sparico) DeCaprio. She was one of nine siblings. She was a devoted mother to Joseph (Jean) Farricielli and Christina “Candy” Farricielli (Charles) Schaap, both of whom predeceased her. She was the devoted mother to Dr. Laurie Farricielli (John Halla) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Susan Farricielli (Carl Norbeck) of Branford; foster mother to Ana (Ray) Grande of El Salvador; mother-inlaw to Jean (Joseph) Farricielli, of Branford; and former wife of the late Vincent S. Farricielli. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Vincent R. Farricielli (Lesley) of Guilford, Joseph J.

Farricielli Jr. (Denise) of Bronxville, NY, Christina Tremonte (Jay) of Branford, Donna Sheeran (John) of Boston, and Robin Tremonte of Branford, as well as two step-grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jo Farricielli was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. She touched countless lives throughout her many years of service to her community and the people she loved most. Jo embraced the role of caregiver from an early age. An amazing mother to many, she created a home filled with warmth, good food, and open doors. A gifted cook, she delighted family and friends with hearty meals and, most famously, her renowned biscotti — treats that became a cherished tradition at gatherings and holidays.

Jo played a vital role in supporting her former husband in the development and growth of Farricielli Oldsmobile/GMC Truck. In addition to her dedication, organizational skill, and strong work ethic that contributed greatly to the success of the business, each year she baked the favorite birthday cake of every employee.

Deeply committed to service, Jo was a

long-standing member of the Hospital of Saint Raphael Auxiliary, where she was recognized as having the highest volunteered hours. There, she poured her energy into running blood drives, managing the art corridor, and for many years, operating the hospital’s Thrift Store — work that brought her tremendous fulfillment and connection to her community.

Her spontaneity and love of adventure included glider plane rides, scuba diving lessons in her 70s, road trips across the country and later to her Mount Snow home in Vermont where she tried everything — cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and riding a chairlift to the top of a mountain for Easter Sunday Mass.

Jo started each morning with a shot of sambuca in her cappuccino. Her thirst for adventure never waned. In her later years she would ask her aide Michelle, “Where are we going and what are we doing today?” and off they would go for a ride, sometimes to the Mohegan Sun, the Peabody Museum, visiting a friend, and weekly lunches with her 103-year-old buddy, Jo Giordano where she enjoyed her espresso martinis.

Jo was a member of the Morris Cove Garden Club, where she forged lasting friendships and shared her passion for gardening. She also volunteered at the Branford Community Dining Room, offering compassion and nourishment to those in need.

She owned a frame shop and gallery in Branford and was a volunteer at the Guilford Art Center. A talented portrait painter herself, Jo captured the spirit of her subjects with care and sensitivity. Her artwork and appreciation for the arts, much like her life, reflected her deep understanding of people and her generous heart.

Jo will be remembered for her boundless love, her creativity, her service to others, and the quiet strength that defined her life. She was blessed in her later years for the support of her aide, Michelle Newton, and the nurses and volunteers of Hospice Home Care. Jo’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the community she enriched, and the many people fortunate enough to have known her.

Family and friends were asked to call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 29, in St. Mary Church, Street, John Bosco Parish, 731 Main St., Branford. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Branford Community Foundation at branfordcommunityfoundation.org in honor of the Farricielli Family Trust. Please see her online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.

Blanket Drive Brings Snuggles for Shoreline Seniors

Press Release from Snuggles for Shoreline Seniors

Show your love for a Branford senior and give them the comfort and warmth of a new blanket this holiday season.

Blankets will be given to seniors in the Community Dining Room Home Delivery Service, as well as other seniors within our Town. The nonprofit Snuggles for Shoreline Seniors is asking local people to help hit the goal of providing snuggles to 400 seniors.

New blankets may be dropped off until Dec. 21 at at these Branford locations: Branford Cleaners, 275 Main Street

Coastal Wine and Spirits, 103 North Main Street

Eli’s Branford, 624 West Main Street

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street

Lockworks Tavern, 1212 Main Street

Parthenon Diner, 374 East Main Street

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers, 1224 Main Street

Shoreline Insurance Services, 556 Main Street

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road, Stony Creek

North Haven Location: Bringing Joy, 37 Broadway

For information, call (203) 208-8942 or email Blanketsforseniors@gmail.com.

Legal Notice

Pursuant to Section 10-153d (b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, notice is hereby given that as of November 25, 2025, a copy of the Agreement Between the North Branford Board of Education and the North Branford Federation of Teachers, is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office at 909 Foxon Road, North Branford, Connecticut.

Lisa A. Valenti, MMC

North Branford Town Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTIONS

At the Regular meeting of the Branford Planning & Zoning Commission held on Thursday November 20, 2025 the following actions were taken:

1. Application #PZ 25-4 Coastal Site Plan located at 179 Pawson Road for a retaining wall. APPROVED.

2. 2026 Meeting Date Calendar - APPROVED

C. Andres, Chairperson F. Russo Secretary

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF James E. Butler, AKA James Edward Butler (25-00407)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 14, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Christopher E. Butler

c/o ALPHONSE IPPOLITO, FASANO, IPPOLITO, LEE & FLORENTINE, LLC, 107 MONTOWESE STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405

James L. Butler

c/o ALPHONSE IPPOLITO, FASANO, IPPOLITO, LEE & FLORENTINE, LLC, 107 MONTOWESE STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Elrita Ann Callahan (25-00399)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 14, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

John D. Callahan, 3 Blue Heron Lane, Manchester by the Sea, MA0I944

Lori P. Callahan

c/o MARTA CZEKAJEWSKI COLLINS, LECK.ERLING LADWIG & LEAMON LLC, 23 WOODLAND ROAD, SUITE C-2, MADISON, CT 06433

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

THE PINE ORCHARD ASSOCIATION PINE ORCHARD, CONNECTICUT

The Pine Orchard Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public meeting on Monday December 8th, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pine Orchard Association Municipal Building, 180 Pine Orchard Road, Branford, Connecticut, to consider the following:

I. Application of Vincent and Maria Adinolfi, owners, 12 Pinewood Road, Branford, CT, to appeal the Stop Work Order issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, dated September 25, 2025.

II. Variance request of Vincent and Maria Adinolfi, owners, relative to 12 Pinewood Road, Branford, CT; seeking relief from Section 6 of the Zoning Ordinance, side yard setback from 30’ required to 15’ proposed for construction of an addition, AA-1 Zoning District.

All persons attending this hearing will have the right to be heard. Written communication will also be received.

James Killelea Zoning Board of Appeals

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Charlotte K. Mangs (25-00348)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 20, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Ashley G. Miller, 532 Bridge Road, Florence, MA 01062

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF George Scott Staniar, AKA G. Scott Staniar (25-00401)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 19, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Rita Louise Staniar

c/o STAN ROBERT DOMBROSKI, DOMBROSKI HILLIS LLC, 129 WHITNEY AVE, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF BRANFORD BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405

Legal Notice REVISED

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday December 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom technology to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Old Business: Appeal of ZEO decision-29 Brocketts Point Road (continued from the November 20 meeting)

New Business:

25-1 Jonathan Morasutti (Applicant & Owner)

(E09-000-003-00015 R3) 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue

Var. Sec. 6.2.E (9)-To allow a critical coastal resource setback of 18.2 feet where 25 feet is required (18.3 “ existing).

Var. Sec. 8.1.C.1 -Enlargement of an existing non-conforming use for a second and third floor addition over the small garage for office space.

25-2 Kyle Bradley (Applicant & Owner) (J08-000-004-00015 R2) 20 School Street

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow an 8-foot side yard setback where 10 feet is required for the addition of a basement bulkhead entry at the side of the house.

25-3 819 Main Street LLC c/o James W. Bondi (member)-Applicant & Owner (K03-000-003-00001 BR) 819-841 East Main Street

Var. Sec. 4.3.B.5 To allow a 0-foot side yard where 10 feet is required for a proposed development which straddles the Branford/Guilford Town Line.

25-4 Michelle Cellura Nose (Applicant) John Wolfenden (Owner) (E11-000-004-00009 R3) 10 Montgomery Parkway

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.5 To allow a front setback of 24.5 feet where 30 feet is required (Vertical expansion of existing 24.5 feet).

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 14 feet where 15 feet is required (Existing is 14.2 feet). Var. Sec. 8.1.C.3 To allow the reconstruction of an existing nonconforming structure and the deconstruction of the existing house and a Coastal Site Plan.

25-5 Kelly Stockwell (Applicant) Lisa F. Stockwell (Owner) (D09-000-011-00022 R3) 17 Lanphier Road

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 9.5 feet where 15 feet is required (Vertical expansion of existing 9.5 feet)

Var. Sec. 7.4.A.7 To allow an accessory apartment with a gross floor area that is greater than 30% of the principal dwelling unit (770 SF).

Var. Sec. 8.1.C.3 To allow the reconstruction of an existing nonconforming structure and the deconstruction of the existing garage and a Coastal Site Plan.

25-6 Michael Kelley (Applicant & Owner) (G03-000-004-00004 R5) 68 Deforest Drive

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side variance of 17 feet 2 inches where 25 ft is required for the replacement of an above ground pool and adjacent deck .

James Sette (Chairman)

Fun By The Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Hornets Dominate Thanksgiving Finale

By Stosh Konesky

It was off to see the East Haven Yellowjackets in the traditional Thanksgiving game and the 83rd annual Beehive Bowl as the Branford Hornets looked to extend their winning record. Lately it’s been a lopsided affair with the Hornets dominating in every aspect of every game. Branford leads the all-time series with 45 wins to 33 losses and 4 ties.

This year looked to be no different. Entering the game Branford was 6-3 and East Haven was 2-7.

But as we know, the record doesn’t matter. It’s about the bragging rights. It’s about who owns this part of the shoreline. It’s about who sits down at Thanksgiving dinner with a smile on their face while the other sits face down in a plate full of stuffing mourning defeat.

The 2025 Branford Hornets had something to prove. So on a crisp Thanksgiving morning, the smell of victory permeated the air for the Branford Football Hornets.

Branford received the opening kickoff, and Chase Konesky took it to their 40-yard line. A few play

later, Chris McKittrick found Wyatt Cavallaro in the back of the end zone for the first score of the game.

And from there the Hornets overpowered and outwilled the Yellowjackets in every aspect of the game. Savvy playcalling and gritty running the Branford offense kept moving the ball. McKittrick tacked on two rushing touchdowns to extend the lead to 20-0 into the break. Give credit to the offensive line led by Senior Ryan Teneyck (2nd Team SCC) for leading the charge and opening up monster holes all day. Seniors Frank Zweeres and Jayden Crespo deserve their flowers alongside sophomore tackle Carter Anderson and Junior Breaden Ryan. With a 20-0 lead at halftime, the Branford steamroller kept rolling along. In the 3rd quarter, Rhamell Fairclough kept his outstanding day going with several long runs and added an exclamation point with a short yardage TD. A beautiful play call on a 10 yard reverse to Senior Co Captain Alex Leblanc (1st Team SCC) for a touchdown increased their lead to 34-0. And for good measure, another touchdown, this time from McKittrick to

Aiden Dupree on a well timed 16 yard seam pass, capped off a fanatic Thanksgiving morning. Rhamell Fairclough finished the game with 20 carries for 194 yards and a TD. Junior QB McKittrick was 5 of 7 for 61 yards with 2 TDs and 2 rushing TDs bringing his total to 4 on the afternoon.

The Hornets defense was stalwart and steady the whole game. Except for a garbage time substitution laden TD, their defense controlled the game from first to last whistle. Branford opted to go with a six man defensive line which was perfect to counteract the Yellowjackets offense. Keeping their O line off of the second level allowed sophomore LB Chase Konesky to lead the team with 11 tackles (4 solo) alongside his counterpart Senior LB Ryan Booth with 7 tackles (4 solo).

Co Captain Trent Tracy (1st Team SCC) finished with 9 tackles in his swan song and was the emotional leader on the defense.

Senior Co Captain Luke Torre (4 tackles), Senior Jason Talalas (3 tackles) and Senior Shiloh Williams (6 tackels) performed well in their last game for the Hornets.

Branford Hornets came away with a lopsided 41-6..

This season was a coming out party for Fairclough,who topped the 1,000 yard mark with 1,273 while averaging 7.3 yards a carry with 15 touchdowns. Gagliardi has followed up with 420 yards with 8 TDs.

The defense, led this year by Trent Tracy - 66 total tackles (32 solo) with 11 tackle for losses, shut out three teams. Seniors LB Ryan Booth (63 total tackles, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery for a TD) and safety Shiloh Williams were second third with 62 total tackles. Luke Torre added 45 tackles with 2 INTs, one for a TD.

Alex LeBlanc, who along with Torre battled injuries this year, played stellar cornerback and was an emotional leader while on the field

Leading the defense with three sacks was junior defensive lineman Kenji Lancaster followed by senior Jacob Kopczuk with 2. Senior end Jason Talalas was a consistent force on the edge.

Some bright spots for the future were led by sophomore Linebacker Chase Konesky, who led the team averaging 7.5 tackles per game (60 tackles-32 solo) and sophomore Safety Aidan

Tracy (3 INTs) and defensive tackle Jordan Ross. Tracy doubled as one of the best kickers in the state.

Through the year, the junior quarterback McKittrick added 9 TDs through the air while Dupree and Senior Grayson Mills each caught 3 and 2 respectively. But the day belonged to the seniors. It was the last game for 15 Branford student athletes. Their commitment to their school, their coaches and their teammates was always be first class as they cemented memories that will last a lifetime.

The 15 seniors were:

Co Captains Trent Tracy, Luke Torre and Alex Leblanc

Ryan Teneyck

Jayden Crespo

Frank Zweeres

Shiloh Williams

Jason Talalas

Greyson Mills

Jacob Kopzcuk

Justin Cast

Ryan Booth

Connor Fiengo

Samarvir Pamma

Caden Dombrowski

The previous week, the Hornets seniors played their last

See Hornets page 22

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Shiloh Williams (20) of Branford tries to avoid a tackle with the held of Ryan Teneyck (54) as Branford defeated East Haven 41-6 on Nov. 27, Thanksgiving morning, at Frank “Coach” Crisafi Field in East Haven.

Rhamell Fairclough (5).of Branford runs free in a 41-6 win over East Haven on Nov. 27, Thanksgiving morning, at Frank “Coach” Crisafi Field in East Haven.

Special to Shore Publishing

T-Birds Football Takes 28-6 Win Over Coginchaug

By Jenn McCulloch

Sound Correspondent

In the annual Thanksgiving Eve game Nov. 26, the North Branford football team headed to Durham to take on cross-town rival Coginchaug Regional/East Hampton/Hale Ray. Despite heading into the contest at 8-1 to CREHHR’s 2-6 record, TBirds’ coach Anthony Salvati knew his team had to be ready to fight for a win.

“This game is always different because it’s against one of your rivals,” said Salvati. “Whenever you get a chance to play a town nearby, especially on Thanksgiving, all records and stats go out the window and you just have to go out there and expect to be in a tough battle for 48 minutes.”

The game was scoreless through the first half, but North Branford’s offense began to click in the third quarter. With two touchdowns in each of the final quarters, the T-Birds came away with a 28-6 win for a 9-1 record heading into the Class S State Tournament.

North Branford got on the board when quarterback Mateo Anderson, a junior, ran the ball into the end zone with 9:23 to play in the third quarter. Just two minutes later, North Branford put together another offensive push with sophomore Jack Sigel running it in as the third quarter came to a close to lead 14-0 going into the final quarter.

With 7 minutes remaining in the game, Anderson connected with junior Craig Miller for the team’s third score of the game. The Blue Devils scored to bring the score to 21-6, but North Branford responded immediately with a long carry by Sigel, putting North Branford on the goal line where Sigel then pushed into the end zone to close out the game at 28-6.

Anderson had 78 passing yards and 48 rushing yards, while Sigel had 114 rushing yards and freshman Billy Criscuolo had 101 rushing yards and eight receiving yards. Senior AJ Sigel (41 total yards) and junior Jon Jacobs (37 total yards) also contributed offensively. Freshman Owen Brustman was four-for-four on extra points.

“The o-line played big boy football, Matteo [Anderson], Jack [Sigel], AJ [Sigel], and Billy [Criscuolo] all ran the ball hard, Johnny [Jacobs] came up with two huge receptions,” said Salvati. “Craig [Miller] was an absolute savage on both sides of the ball, recording a sack and interception on D and catching a TD pass on offense.”

Junior Landen Burns had 15 tackles with senior Greg Ferraro (14 tackles) and junior Sonny Salvati (9 tackles) helping to anchor the defensive line. Anderson,

Miller, Criscuolo, and senior Chase Nugent each had eight tackles.

“The defense played great, holding them to six points,” said Salvati. “[Landen] Burns and Sonny [Salvati] were all over the field, as usual, making tackles. It was a total team effort tonight.”

The team effort was not just apparent in the Thanksgiving Eve contest, but throughout North Branford’s regular season as well. While AJ Sigel and Ferraro have led the team as senior captains, Coach Salvati has seen the rest of the senior class exhibit leadership as well.

“AJ and Greg and the entire senior class have been a great group of leaders for this team as we have a lot of underclassmen playing in key spots on the field on Friday nights — the seniors have taken them under their wing and helped them grow and succeed this season,” said Salvati. “Attitude, effort and belief — those three things have been the difference. Our players have had a great attitude all season and were willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. There is no quit on this team. Their effort has been relentless, almost playing with a chip on their shoulder like we have something to prove. They bought into the system and trusted us as coaches that what we are teaching them is going to benefit them both on and off the field.”

North Branford now carries a 9-1 record into the postseason.The fourth-ranked TBirds hosted fifth-ranked Sheehan (8-2) on Dec. 2 in the quarterfinals of the Class S State Tournament. The winner moves on to the semifinals on Dec. 7. Salvati will be looking for his team to learn from its win against CREHHR, as well as lessons from the rest of the season, as the T-Birds look at the postseason.

“We play Tuesday night against a very good Sheehan team that is battle-tested,” said Salvati. “Anytime you can win a game while not playing your best like we did against Coginchaug, it helps you learn a little something about who you are as a team. You know that they can overcome adversity, dig down deep, and get the W.

“This season has flown by and is one that I will remember for a long time,” added Salvati. “Watching this team grow week-in and week-out before our eyes has put us in a great spot moving forward with our program. The players now realize what it takes to be successful and are now being held to a higher standard. Our youth program, who we work very closely with, each won championships in their respective divisions — the present and future are very bright for North Branford football.”

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Jack Sigel had 114 rushing yards in North Branford football's 28-6 win vs. Coginchaug Regional/East Hampton/Hale Ray on Nov. 26.

Fishing Ports Have Hidden Benefits

Over the years, very little has remained unchanged - no matter where one looks. Nothing is more evident than when re-visiting a port that, at one time, would be considered unfaithful if bypassed. Even trusted fishing holes have morphed into something void of what once thrilled. But invariably, traveling can have its perks. Such as, clamming.

Sometimes before tides rise with the sun (or other times after they have dropped), we would fill our inflatable with clam rakes, buckets and a few accessories. Pointing our bow west, past a few of the movie “Jaws” action spots and heading in the direction of the Vineyard’s Katama Bay, we’d take a very scenic route every bit as glamorous as an tropical island. Today we passed llamas as well as modern day achievements that replaced once rustic beauty like old wooden docks and hand painted signs.

Looking as though dead ahead would house a bed of catchable clams, it appeared to be an appealing area to explore. The closer we got, the tastier those bivalves became. Anticipation and a little imagination has a way of whetting your appetite. I didn’t need X-ray vision to visualize the lemon and Tabasco sauce staying cool within the ice-filled cooler stowed by the bow.

Soon, after the raking, the sunset ride back and securing the basket of fresh caught clams to the port side cleat of the 40 footer, we were ready to freshen up.

The clams needed a little purging so, back on the ice they went. The back deck miraculously turned into mini lanai with all of the island fixings - clams on-the-half, shark bites, tuna sushi, lobster tails and a few island cocktails - with and without the benefit of any added lightning juice.

Except for being moored at an actual island and hopping around in a rented 4x4, we can cut and paste almost everything else. Getting away for a vacation is understandable. I get it! Everyone needs a break. But clamming? That is something that can be done year round (pending weather) almost in your back yard. That’s right! The Connecticut shoreline has excellent clamming.

Clamming is a low-tech, accessible outdoor activity that does not necessarily need a boat. In fact, most recreational beds can be accessed from shore. One finds that it is a fun way to connect with the marine environment — tide watching, exploring flats, the satisfaction of digging or raking and, of course, eating. Many vacationers head to the islands to clam yet have not

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Fishing report

discovered the activity much closer to home. When they do, it becomes catchy.

Dating back to colonial times, it was the Native American peoples of the Quinnipiac, Hammonasset and Algonquian-speaking tribes who were known to actively clam the tidal rivers located from New Haven to Old Saybrook.

Today, recreational shellfishing continues to have a real economic impact as it contributes significantly to local economies. Clams are part of an ongoing Long Island Sound restoration and conservation effort since healthy beds contribute to ecosystem resilience.

Additionally, work is being done to restore eelgrass in Connecticut, which is closely linked to clam beds.

In short, clamming Connecticut’s shoreline offers a uniquely rewarding combination of sustainable wild food, community engagement, and low-barrier access to nature. With proper permits, respect for regulations, and attention to health, it’s a really compelling way to harvest a delicious protein source while participating directly in coastal stewardship.

A very popular shoreline activity, clamming is one of the most rewarding activities. From rakes to baskets and accessories, these much appreciated holiday gifts are ones that keep on giving year-round.

The salt breeze is refreshing - the activity is body-friendly. And was ‘fun’ mentioned? From the rake to the bake - try it! When needed, Captain Morgan’s has all that’s necessary for your clamming needs or a thoughtful holiday gift that keeps on giving.

On The Water:

High pressure remained directly over the region for a short time. It then moved offshore with a frontal wave moving across during the next couple of days. High pressure built back in and remained in control through the week. The high eventually moved offshore followed by the next frontal system impacting the waters before the holiday. Most days were a mix of sun and clouds. Daytime air temperatures took a gradual climb to the high of 59ºF to a low of 43ºF while predawn temps hit a rock bottom of 30ºF before climbing to a high of 40ºF, inclusive of a one-day, brief rainy period when it hit 51ºF.

Meanwhile, Long Island Sound went through a calm period of light to moderate variable winds, relatively calm seas and water temperatures hovering around 47ºF. By all accounts, Long Island Sound is

almost through receiving Fall’s agitating winds blowing seas into a frenzy one day and smoothing out over the next couple. Water temperatures are descending into the range where most seasonal fish have left, and semi-hibernating ones have gone into deeper water. The flat, calm mornings have that seasonal look where the water’s surface has the look of a cold dark mirrorcold and rippleless to the eye.

Blackfish closed with a mix of sea-battered rock conditions and tides where deep water fishing paid off. Although most black sea bass traditionally migrate to offshore warmer waters, because of warming water temperatures, a growing number of them are become year-round residentsespecially, young ones.

However, their fall season in CT also closed. Now might be the time to slip a small vessel into a nearby bay to seek out some winter flounder since their season remains open through Dec. 31.

While inland waters from the tidal rivers to their upper reaches respond to swings in temperatures, they remain in a state of flux. That aside, lake and pond fishing generally continues to be inviting for the late season anglers looking to stretch out their season in an attempt to capture another moment in time to remember as well as enjoy some alone

time to meld with the environment. Fish are biting!

Trout, salmon, bass, toothy critters, bottom feeder and panfish. In the scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter much, does it?

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media. Or, contact Captain Morgan for a fly fishing trip of a lifetime to a remote national or international fishing destination.

For Holiday Gifts and all things fishy including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2026 licenses/permits and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison or call 203-2458665 for updated Fall hours.

Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, authorized Penn Premium Dealer and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

Tight Lines, Captain Morgan captainmorganusa@hotmail.com captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan

DECEMBER 23, 2025 MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

TICKETS: $12

Schedules

BRANFORD

Sunday, Dec. 7: Class M State Tournament

Dec. 6: at Glastonbury w/ Canton at

(scrimmage)

Dec. 11: vs. Platt at 6 p.m. (scrimmage)

NORTH BRANFORD

Hornets Dominate Thanksgiving Finale

Continued from page 19

home game. The 15 seniors paraded onto the field hand-in-hand with their loved ones, standing side-by-side with the family members who have been with them since they were little, the ones that brought them back and forth from practice, cooked them a hot meal, washed their uniform, and supported their dream of playing high school football.

Defeating Bassick 41-6 was a highlight. It was a perfect way to send off those 15 seniors, but the job is not done yet. There

was one more on Thanksgiving day. One more time to get up early. To put on the Branford white. To lace up the cleats, to get on the bus and get off in enemy territory. To face your rivals one more time. To step onto the turf with the cold air coming off your breath with your heart beating out of your chest.

That feeling for seniors will be the last in high school. The goosebumps, the shaking of the knees, the tapping of the feet in constant motion, the running onto the field with your brothers….and then finally the sound of the last first whistle….

Hatha Yoga Series

A beginner/intermediate-level hatha yoga series runs Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Trinity Church Hall, 1009 Main Street, Branford. The sessions are led by certified yoga instructor Gina Macdonald-Page. The cost is $10 per session, with drop-in participants welcome. Proceeds benefit the Branford Community Dining Room. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. For more information, call or text Gina at 203 710-6665.

BRANFORD

Dec. 4 to Dec. 10

Holiday Cookies to Bake, Gift, and Serve

The Trifecta of Shortbread Recipes

By Liz Egan

Baking cookies encompasses all I love about the holidays. The sights and smells of cookies being made, their mouthwatering taste and delicate texture, as well as the anticipation of the joy and delight in the giving and receiving are an all-consuming sensory experience.

My favorite cookies to make and eat are shortbread. In simple terms, shortbread is a type of cookie classified by its high butter content. It is named shortbread due to its short, or crumbly, structure—which is caused by the high proportion of fat. The traditional recipe, developed in Scotland, consists of one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts flour.

My favorite shortbread recipe is petticoat tails. They are my father’s favorite cookies, too, and I do not remember a Christmas without them. My mother’s recipe was written again and again on index cards that date back to the 1950s. Like traditional recipes, it has simple ingredients—butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Her recipe, which I follow faithfully, also includes a teaspoon of vanilla.

I always wondered why they were called “petticoat tails,” and only recently did I find out that the name is meaningful in baking history. The French term for the wedges of shortbread was or —little cakes, and this became “petticoat tails.” It is now thought the Scots term derives from the decorated round edge of the segments which resemble petticoats.

It is so important when making shortbread, or cookies of any kind for that matter, not to overwork your dough. An important thing I noticed many years ago with cookie recipes is that the directions are very specific. When the recipe says “beat together” or “mix together” or “cream” the butter and sugar ingredients it means use an electric mixer. Be watchful though if the recipe says “stir in” as it is a signal that the dry ingredients should be hand mixed, either with a wooden spoon, rubber scraper, or with your clean hands. Then, mix it just until it starts to come together, then dump it onto a floured surface until you have a smooth dough. Shortbread has so few ingredients that you cannot get away with cutting corners; petits gâteaux petites gatelles

excellent quality butter and sugar are essential, and plenty of them. A pinch of salt helps to balance that rich, delicious sweetness. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated and sliced at the time of

baking. Shortbread is stored in cookie tins lined with wax paper and the flavor develops as they “age,” so a few days or weeks (if they last that long) will only improve their quality.

When polling my many siblings, my Bermel family favorite is pecan crisps. A shortbread because it has no egg or leavening, it includes roasted, chopped pecans in the recipe and its appeal is the powdered confectioner’s sugar that it is rolled in three times. When I see pictures of round versions of these cookies on Facebook called “snowballs,” it is simply the same recipe here without the nuts in a different shape. My mother got her recipe from her friend Ad Newins in 1964. Every time I eat a pecan crisp, I exclaim, “Now that’s a cookie!”

Holiday Cookies,

100 Recipes for the Season

While on the checkout line at the supermarket in late November 2005, I purchased a magazine titled . Published by

Martha Stewart, it was a limited-edition magazine that has several of my “new” favorite recipes. The shortbread cookies I now make every year from the magazine are cream cheese walnut cookies. A favorite of my mother-in-law, the addition of cream cheese and toasted chopped walnuts takes buttery shortbread to a new level. The large batch recipe makes four dozen cookies and is meant to be made ahead, which was always most convenient for me when I was working. I could take 45 minutes to make the dough after dinner during the week and refrigerate until the weekend when I had more time to bake them.

Cookies, and all homemade goods, make great gifts because they are a gift of love from the heart. A simple and inexpensive holiday gift bag that includes a plastic bag of assorted cookies, my homemade jam, and/or ornament has been a gift to our friends, neighbors, teachers, colleagues, and service personnel for many years. These priceless gifts affirm the gratitude and appreciation I have for everyone in my life. This simple gift of self is always enough.

The recipes to three kinds of shortbread

cookies follow. Select from these cookies and many more as you fill your own cookie jar at the Christmas fair at the First Church of Christ Congregational on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church, located across from Town Hall, hosts the Christmas fair which is one of the featured activities of Christmas in Clinton. Other items that will be available for sale are hand-sewn quilts, ornaments, jewelry, holiday items, used books, and many vendor items. Jim’s famous clam chowder is among the fresh lunch items available for purchase.

See Holiday Cookies page 24

Special to Living

Photo by Liz Egan Recipes written on index cards

Photo by Liz Egan

A plate of shortbread cookies

For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 4

Red Cross Blood Drive

: Noon to 5 p.m. Northford Community Church, 4 Old Post Rd. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Make a Sock Snowman: Teens Session

: 3 to 4 p.m.

Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Materials will be provided but supplies and space may be limited. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Teen Event: Cook and Books Book Club

: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Participants will cook a peppermint-flavored treat during the first hour and discuss books during the final half hour. Free and open to grades 5 to 8. For info or to register (required), call 203453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Scrapbooking Class

: 6 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants bring their own projects or blank pages and holiday photos. Holiday stickers, paper, and decorative scrapbook scissors will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Calendar for the Week of December 4, 2025

Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Tonga: Islands of Splendor 26th Annual Firelight Festival

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 : 4 to 5 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $25. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Friends of the Guilford Free Library Holiday Book Sale

: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features books from all genres, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games, and more. Also includes a performance by local musician Mimi Dudley at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the library. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Guilford Garden Club Boutique

: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. St. George’s Parish Hall, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features wreaths, swags, crafts, raffle baskets, and a food table. Supports club donations to the community and scholarships to Guilford High School seniors. Hosted by the Guilford Garden Club. For info, email guilfordgardenclub06437@gmail.com or visit guilfordgardenclub.org.

: 4 to 8 p.m. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 old Whitfield St., Guilford. Features luminaria, lanterns, and outdoor fires. Guests can enjoy roasted marshmallows, popcorn, hot cocoa, and mulled cider. Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and veterans, $5 for youth ages 6 to 17, and free for children ages 5 and younger as well as active-duty military personnel with up to five family members. Tickets include admission to Whitfield House, the outdoor fire area, craft area, and Visitor Center galleries. Tickets available only on-site at the event. Bring donations for the Guilford Food Bank and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. For info, contact the museum at 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov, or visit portal.ct.gov/ecdHenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.

Holiday Cookies to Bake, Gift, and Serve

Continued from page 23

Petticoat Tails

1 cup soft butter

1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

2½ cups sifted flour

Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside. Mix the first three ingredients. Divide dough in half and make rectangular rolls 2” x 3” squared at front and back. Wrap in wax paper. Place in refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut into ¼” slices and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges and bottom are barely light browned. Cool on wire rack. Watch carefully!

Tips: This is a delicate dough that should not be overhandled. I mix the dough with my hands, keeping the premeasured flour nearby. Make sure that the bars are solid. Use a sharp knife when slicing the cookie bars. If they crumble,

make a slightly thicker slice. Crumbs can be combined into a ‘taste’ cookie.

Pecan Crisps

From Ad Newin, 1964

This cookie, a family favorite, is about the best gift I can give my adult siblings.

1 cup (very, very soft, but not melted) butter

¼ cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

2 cups flour

¼ tsp salt

Cream butter and sugar well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Shape about the size of a thumb. Place onto cookie sheets ½ inch apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees (lightly browned on bottom). While hot, roll in confectioner’s sugar. Cool and roll in confectioner’s sugar again. Let rest and reroll in confectioner’s sugar. Layer in cookie tin with wax paper in between. Very delicate.

Cream

Cheese Walnut Cookies

Holiday Cookies, 100 Recipes for the Season

, limited edition magazine, 2005

The dough for these slice-and-bake cookies can be shaped into logs and frozen for up to two weeks. This cookie, which I added to my annual repertoire in 2005, was my mother-in-law’s favorite. So delicious! This large recipe makes a lot of cookies—plenty to eat, plenty to share.

4 cups all-purpose flour

1¼ tsp coarse salt

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

6 oz. cream cheese

1½ cups sugar

2 tbsp vanilla extract

2½ cups walnut halves (1½ cups toasted and coarsely chopped, 1 cup finely chopped)

Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put butter and cream cheese in a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about

See page 26

two minutes. Mix in sugar and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix). Mix in toasted walnuts. Divide dough in half and transfer to a work surface. If the dough is very sticky, flour the surface first. Shape into a log 8 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in parchment paper. Freeze until firm about two hours or up until two weeks. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Unwrap one log and roll in finely chopped walnuts, coating completely. Cut into ¼” thick rounds. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper about 1 inch apart. Bake cookies, rotating halfway through, until golden around the edges. Repeat with remaining log. Store in airtight container or cookie tin at room temperature. Tips: I wrap logs in wax paper and refrigerate and make the cookies the next day. Chop extra walnuts to roll the logs on to make sure the edges are completely covered.

New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band Performs in Clinton

On Sunday, Dec. 14, the George Flynn Classical Concerts series presents the New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Latin Gramm Award-winning New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band (NYABABB) is an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble featuring first call jazz and Afro-Cuban musicians based in New York City who collectively perform with the greatest names in the business. For this concert, the band will be presenting its own unique version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, complete with dancers.

NYABABB was founded and is led by drummer and Clinton resident Joe McCarthy. The music of NYABABB has long been inspired by the great bebop tradition, married to the rich cultural stylings of African, AfroCaribbean, Brazilian, and other multi-ethnic styles of music. The NYABABB has been featured at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and The Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Series, among many others.

Admission is free but tickets are required. Clinton residents can order on a first-come, first-served basis one month before each concert. Nonresidents can order two weeks before each concert, depending on availability. For more information visit www.georgeflynn classicalconcerts.com or facebook.com/GeorgeFlynnClass icalConcerts.

So Much to See: From Local Performers to an Irish Rep Show

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

: Guilford’s own Nick Fradiani will be starring as Bob Dylan in the musical , when it plays the Shubert Theatre from Tuesday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 7. He first understudied the leading role, then played it on Broadway before leading the tour. For tickets, visit Shubert.com. On Monday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 16, he will join his father, Nick Fradiani, Sr., at The Kate in Old Saybrook for an evening of holiday music. Tickets are at TheKate.org.

A Beautiful Noise torical Society

Long Wharf and New Haven His-

: As part of its 60th anniversary, Long Wharf has teamed up with the New Haven Historical Society Museum for several programs. On Saturday, Dec. 6, the New Haven Museum and Long Wharf honors T. Charles Erickson, a renowned theatre photographer. He worked with Long Wharf for many years. “Long Wharf Theatre: A Legacy in Moments” features a reception and con-

Aisle ON THE

versation with Erickson about his work, particularly at Long Wharf. The free event will be preceded by a curator-led tour of the Long Wharf exhibit,

Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond

. This exhibit, which runs through February, traces the theater’s history through photos and other memorabilia. For more information, visit newhaven museum.org.

original score. It runs through Wednesday, Dec. 31. For tickets, visit IrishRep.org. : The wonderful production of , at Lincoln Center, has extended its run through June 14. The show had been scheduled to close Sunday, Jan. 4, but rave reviews, ticket demand, and the cast’s ability to continue in their roles led to an extension. I bet it will be nominated for multiple Tony Awards next spring.

More Time to Get Your Tickets

Grammy Nominees

PBS Still at It

: Did you play the game Clue? Most of us did. The game and the 1985 film are the basis for a murder-mystery comedy with music that has traveled the country. It is stopping at Waterbury’s Palace Theatre from Tuesday, Dec. 16, to Thursday, Dec. 18. Tickets are available at PalaceTheaterCT.org.

Irish Rep Holiday Show

It’s a Wonderful Life Murder Mystery Comedy

: Off-Broadway’s terrific Irish Rep will present as a radio play this year. The show reimagines the film as a live radio broadcast from the period with an

: Five shows received nominations in the Best Musical Theater Album category:

Tickets on Sale

Maybe Happy Ending Wicked & Juliet Water for Elephants

Bueno Vista

Social Club Death Becomes Her Gypsy Just in Time

, , (with Audra MacDonald), , and . In addition, the first movie of received nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “Defying Gravity” in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, and composer Steven Schwartz was nominated for Best Score Soundtrack. Winners are announced on Sunday, Feb. 1. : Tickets for two upcoming shows at the Bushnell are now on sale. will play from May 5 to 10, and will play from June 2 to 7. For more information, visit Bushnell.org.

Holiday Gifts Ragtime

: A great holiday gift is a gift card/gift certificate to one of Connecti-

cut’s terrific theaters. All offer a variety of options that allow the recipient to select the show and/or the performance that best suits their interests. Just check the theater’s website for information. : PBS may have been “defunded,” but it is not eliminating its commitment to Broadway and theater. Beginning Friday, Nov. 28, will be airing, featuring performers LaChanze, Jennifer Holiday, Jessie Mueller, Kate Baldwin, and many others. It was filmed during the Town Hall concert last March.

NYC Notes Broadway’s Leading Ladies Concert

: The Metropolitan Opera is veering from its usual repertory in June, when Sting will star in a newly revised version of his musical . To be honest, this is not a Met production. The new Steven Schwartz musical starring Kristin Chenoweth did not wow the majority of critics. It will be interesting to see how long lasts.

The Last Ship

The Queen of Versailles

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women, and the American Theatre Critics Association.

Press Release from the George Flynn Classical Concerts

Photo courtesy of the New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band

New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band

Nick Fradiani

Gallery One CT Presents Visual Dialogues

Press Release from Gallery One

Visual Dialogues

Gallery One CT presents from Thursday, Dec. 4, through Friday, Feb. 27, at the Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery at Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center, 250 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook.

The exhibition features ten Gallery One artists who use imagination and exploration to create connections and share meaningful ideas through their work. This exhibit showcases paintings, collage, mixed media, and photography.

Continued from page 24

Pre-Tree Lighting Community Event Story Time

Exhibiting artists include Rosemary Cotnoir (Westbrook), Michael Fanelli (Clinton), Victor Filepp (New London), Karen Israel (West Hartford), Ann Knickerbocker (Old Saybrook), Brian McClear (West Hartford), T. Willie Raney (Ivoryton), Diana Rogers (Clinton), Rick Silberberg (Ivoryton), and Jill Vaughn (Ivoryton).

“Experiencing art plays a vital role in nurturing resilience and healing,” says artist Diana Rogers. “Works in the exhibit invite visitors to pause for a moment and be a part of the visual dialogue created by our artists.”

Artist Jill Vaughn notes, “Works in the exhibit tell a

Street

story of each artist’s creative journey. Our goal for the show is to share the power of art to help promote wellbeing and healing.”

Photographer Michael Fanelli adds, “The show celebrates how the power of creating and viewing art can transcend boundaries, both physical and emotional.” The opening reception is on Dec. 4 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday during regular medical center hours. For more information, email galleryonect@ gmail.com or visit galleryonect.com.

: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

A Town's Not-So-Perfect, Perfect Christmas Tree

: 5 to 7 p.m. Breakwater Books, 81 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a reading of by Guilford authors Joe and Adam Briganti. At 5:30 p.m., the Staven Wassailers perform outside the store and continue playing after the tree lighting until 7 p.m. Free. For info, call 203-453-4141 or visit breakwaterbooks.net.

: 5 to 9 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Other town events may take place to coincide with the tree lighting. For info, call 203-453-8001.

Annual Town of Madison Tree Lighting

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Madison Green. First Selectwoman Lyons gives remarks at 6 p.m., followed by a performance by the Yale Spizzwinks at 6:15 p.m. After the music, Santa lights the town’s holiday tree. For info, visit madisonct.org.

: 6 to 9 p.m. Broad Street, Guilford. Hosted by the Guilford Garden Club. Broad Street is closed to traffic for strollers to enjoy the decorated wreaths created by garden club members on the doors of homes, garlands adorning the picket fences, and luminaries lighting the way. Coincides with the Guilford tree lighting. For info, contact guilfordgardenclub06437@gmail.com or visit guilfordgardenclub.org.

Celebrate Repeal Day and the End to Prohibition

: 7 to 9 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Features prohibition-inspired cocktails curated and created by professional bartenders. Dress up in 1920s garb and win a prize for best dressed and most dapper. Tickets: $65 per person. Service fees apply. Cash bar available for fullsize cocktails. Complimentary valet parking. For info or tickets, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com.

Woolsey Hall, 500 College St., New Haven. Features a performance of the Yale Concert Band and Yale Jazz Ensembles Big Band. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, call 203-4324111 or visit bands.yalecollege.yale.edu.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6 AND

SUNDAY, DEC. 7

Dudley Farm Holiday Market and Museum Open House

: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features handcrafted and homegrown artisan crafts, greenery, and food by more than 30 local artists and vendors. The farmhouse museum is decorated for a Victorian Christmas; the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum is also open. Includes a food truck on site. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.

Photo by Michael Fanelli

Photo by Diana Rogers

Photo by Ann Knickerbocker , pastel by Diana Rogers Heading to the Vernal Pool, Springtime , mixed media by Ann Knickerbocker Persuasion , photograph by Michael Fanelli Falls River

Guilford Tree Lighting

Broad

Luminary Stroll

Side by Side: The Nutcracker Swings

It’s More Than a Craft Fair

Cookies, cookies, cookies!

Over 2,500 cookies will be available for purchase at the 30th annual holiday artisan fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC), 1271 Durham Road. Experienced shoppers of the Cookie Walk know to come early for the largest selection.The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Linda Young, who serves as the event’s

Continued from page 26

SATURDAY, DEC. 6

Traditional Christmas Fair

cookie collector, shares how it works: “Shoppers pick out the number of boxes they want filled, point out their choices of the clearly-labeled cookies to the volunteers who fill their boxes.”

The Cookie Walk is a great chance to kick off the season of cookie gifting.

Aside from cookies, the event features 42 tables filled with a wide variety of handmade items from all over Connecticut, including wood crafts, pottery, glass, jewelry, Christmas decorations, soaps, knitted items, and tasty treats.

NMCC member Christine Hopkins

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Baptist Church of Branford, 975 Main St. Features Christmas wreaths, swags, centerpieces, bows, and decorations; arts and crafts; antiques and vintage collectibles; cookies and baked goods; a jewelry room; tag sale room; Christmas room; raffle with specialty gift baskets; and local vendors. Includes live Christmas music by pianists Michael Cretella and Leah Smith and an appearance by Santa for picture-taking with children. Breakfast sandwiches will be available from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch of hot dogs, chili, and butternut squash soup. Proceeds benefit charities to be determined. For info, call the church office at 203-488-9777.

Story Time with The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

: 9:30 a.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Cookies will be a highlight of the 30th annual holiday artisan fair at the North Madison Congregational Church, Saturday, Dec. 6.

ensures vendors have successful experience at the fair, noting “It’s a joy to watch customers shop and buy their crafts.”

Neighbor Colleen Neutra says, “I put the holiday fair on my calendar every fall. It’s a terrific place to holiday shop—and shop in general for quality artisan and craft items. I find hostess gifts, future birthday gifts, and of course holiday gifts. I always walk out of the Fair with a smile.”

When shoppers are ready for a break, they can stop by Karen’s Café, serving a variety of hot homemade soups, which are always a hit, along with turkey pot pie

Make a Sock Snowman Adults Session

: 10 to 11 a.m.

Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Materials will be provided but supplies and space may be limited. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Author Event: Joyce Schriebman

: 10 a.m. to noon.

served with the NMCC signature cranberry chutney. Pies are sold whole or by the slice.

Meredith Young, daughter of Melissa Blundon, who has led the café for years, will serve as lead of the café this year. She invites all to “sit down and relax in our bistro or take your pies and soups home.”

Be sure to fire up your holiday spirit with cookies, handmade goods, and a cozy lunch.

For more information, call 203-421-3241 or visit www.northmadisoncc.org/ artisanfair.

Santa Visits the Library

: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library steps, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Allis-Bushnell House Open House

Breakwater Books, 81 Whitfield St., Guilford. Book: Free admission. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and author signing. For info, call 203453-4141 or visit breakwaterbooks.net.

Fill the Forester for Ferals Oy, Santa!

: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Premier Subaru of Branford, 155 N. Main St. Features a cat food drive; donations of unopened dry or canned cat food benefit the Greater New Haven Cat Project. For info, contact 203-782-2287 or rise@gnhcp.org, or visit gnhcp.org/filltheforester.

: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Allis-Bushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Visitors can explore the museum and view the exhibit, A Snail-Mail Holiday: Selections from the MHS Collection of Greeting Cards, in the tearoom. The MHS shop offers a variety of Madison-themed gifts. Free admission, but donations are welcome. For info, visit madisonhistory.org.

Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church

Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church

The crew of Karen's Café will serve a variety of hot homemade soups.

Woodcrafts can be purchased at the 30th annual holiday artisan fair.

Press Release from The North Madison Congregational Church

By Karen Isaacs

Special to Living

Ivoryton’s Is Old-Fashioned Fun Holiday Jamboree

It’s down home. It’s folksy. It’s country, and it’s fun. That best describes Ivoryton Playhouse’s holiday show this year.

Playhouse Holiday Jamboree

Grand Ole Opry

, which runs through Sunday, Dec. 21, was written by Ben Hope, the Playhouse’s executive producer, and Katie Barton. They also codirected the show, and Barton choreographed. It has a pseudofeel. In fact, it reminded me of some of the local country-western TV shows that aired in northern Virginia decades ago, when I was in college. I remember in particular the Porter Wagoner daily afternoon show

Scenic designer Glenn Bassett makes effective use of the two small areas on each side of the stage: One becomes a mid-50s kitchen, and the other a sitting area with a fireplace and a comfortable chair. Bassett cleverly uses books—reversed to show their white pages—to create a Christmas tree in the bookshelf.

Six talented performers—some of whom have appeared multiple times at the Playhouse—sing, dance a little, and also play multiple instruments, from banjos, ukuleles, guitars, piano, and more. They’re backed up by an eight-piece ensemble that even includes a cello.

Unfortunately, the program does not provide a list of songs, which is too bad; some were unfamiliar, and I would like to hear them again.

Each performer has moments where they shine as well as some group numbers with lovely harmonies—“Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart”—is one example. Larry gets to do “Here Comes Santa Claus” as well as a bluegrass piece in which he plays the banjo. Morgan performs a touching Spanish song and joins Sam for a rendition of “Silver Bells.” Sam Sherwood also pairs with Margaret Dudasik in several numbers. Margaret also has a touching “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Elizabeth Nesttlerode ends the show with a terrific version of “O Holy Night.”

Larry (Larrey Tobias) serves as host, offering some cringe-worthy jokes and connecting the segments of the show. But the focus is on an eclectic mixture of music.

The cast offers some traditional holiday pop (“Silver Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”) mixed with country Christmas songs (“It’s Winter Again” and “To Drive the Cold Winter Away”) plus one or two jazz and bluesy numbers. Elizabeth Nestlerode gets to do a pseud-

Ella scat number, “Winter Weather” and a jazzy “Waiting for the Man with the Bag.”

The show is broken into segments; each starts with a vocal advertisement for a local supporter. These are clever, and they even had the out-of-towners applauding. It’s not clear what the show’s premise is. Is this a radio broadcast with us as the live audience, which would make the advertisements logical? Or is it just a stage show?

Each of the short segments—the show is under two hours with intermission—has a theme. The most effective is when cast members share some memories. I’m not sure if these were scripted lines or actual experiences they’ve had, or a combination.

One of the best moments was Morgan Morse using shadow puppets as Larry recounts a Finnish folk tale about why bears hibernate in the winter.

The cast does an encore of “Run, Rudolph, Run,” which had the audience swaying and clapping.

The projections, possibly created by Glenn Bassett, were particularly effective.

All in all, will get your holiday celebrations off to a pleasant if not high-energy start.

For more information or tickets, visit IvorytonPlay house.org. Playhouse Holiday Jamboree

The cast of Playhouse Holiday Jamboree

Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse

Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse

Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse

Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse Front to back: Macy Robinson, Elizabeth Nestlerode, and Margaret Dudasik

Larry Tobias

Sam Sherwood and Margaret Dudasik

Annual North Branford Holiday Photo Exchange

: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Branford Police Department, 305 Forest Rd., Northford. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or monetary donations as their “ticket” for photos. Santa will be on hand until every child has had a chance to visit. Sponsored by real estate professional and community advocate Kim Dawson. For info, contact 203481-4605 or Kim@CoastalCTHomes.com.

Holiday Trees and Wreaths of Branford:

Noon to 4 p.m. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features a reception celebrating the holiday trees and wreaths of Branford designed by local artisans. There will be a silent auction and a chance to purchase trees and wreaths outright. For info, visit branfordarts.org.

Fireside Chats with Local Authors: Katie Tietjen

Death in the Details Murder in Miniature

: 1 to 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Books: and . Features readings from the books and discussion by the fireplace in the Reading Room. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. No registration. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7

Santa's Workshop

: 10 to 11 a.m. Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St., Branford. For children 12 years and younger. Cost: $12 for residents, $17 for nonresidents. Bring a camera. Space is limited. For info, visit the holiday events link at branfordct.myrec.com/info/ activities.

MONDAY, DEC. 8

Author Event: Cory Doctorow in Conversation with Roxanne Coady

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:

Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It

. Cost: $30, includes admission for one and a copy of the book; $5 includes admission for one. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Increasing Coastal Resilience at Hammonasset Beach State Park

Charles Dickens in New Haven: Library Collection and a One-man Performance

Press Release from New Haven Museum

Through the years, celebrity sightings were not uncommon in the Elm City. For instance, on March 24, 1868, thousands filled the streets outside the former Tontine Hotel (corner of Church and Court) to get a glimpse of literary giant Charles Dickens. The crowd became so unmanageable that hotel management engaged “two stout porters” for crowd control, creating a much-needed barrier between the crowd and the famed author.

That popular visit to New Haven by the author and his renowned work, , will be the focus of two programs at the New Haven Museum (NHM), 114 Whitney Avenue, on Saturday, Dec. 13. Entry for both events is free with regular museum admission.

The festivities will begin with “New Haven Holidays,” a presentation as part of a special “What’s in the Whitney Library?” program. Librarian Emma Norden will offer a glimpse of past Christmases from the Whitney Library collection from noon to 4 p.m.

Visitors will view a charming collection of holiday treasures—from handmade Christmas cards dating back to the early 1900s to greetings from overseas soldiers during WWI. It will also include an article from the Dec. 24, 1950, recounting Dickens’ 1868 Elm City reading of the , replete with rioting crowds and a ticketing scandal so colossal that the entire appearance was rescheduled and reticketed.

At 2 p.m., visitors will gather in the auditorium for a one-man performance of Dickens’ , performed by Michael Rose. In his 90-minute cut of the perennial holiday favorite, Rose embodies over a dozen characters, from Ebenezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim to the three ghosts of Christmas. The performance will be preceded by a reception at 1:30 p.m.

Rose is an actor and theatre educator based in New Haven. He studied theater at Yale University and the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. He directs and performs in plays at the Whitney Center senior living facility and teaches theater to youth through his own extracurricular programs. is one of the most adapted of Dickens’ works, with versions ranging from the Muppets to David Sedaris. Rose notes that the show arose out of a tradition of him reading the novella out loud to his family at Christmas time; he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to share it with the public. Having seen a number of adaptations of , he wanted to create one that was very true to the original text.

“ will always be relevant to people of any

faith or background because it is about opening our heart to connection with others.” Rose says. “The tale’s spirit of open-heartedness and generosity is what I hope the public will take from the presentation.”

For more information, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by Audubon Connecticut. Features a presentation by Jack Matthias on efforts to

strengthen coastal resilience at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Community feedback and questions follow the presentation. For info or to register (required), email jcristiano@audubon.org or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com. : 10 a.m.

32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Kelsey E. Fisher, assistant agricultural scientist in the entomology department at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology, and Conservation Needs

Nathanael B. Greene Community Center,

The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen with Author and Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson

Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space

: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranford libraries.

Continued from page 27 See page 30

A Christmas Carol

Haven Register Christmas Carol

Photo courtesy of New Haven Museum

Michael Rose gives a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol

Aging in Place: How to Protect Assets and Stay at Home

: 6 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Presented by estate planning and elder law attorney Erin Duques. For info or to register, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating and Wine Night

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For ages 21 and over. Features a 15-minute pre-decorating mini workshop with pastry chef Lily and time for cookie decorating while sipping wine. Participants will receive four six-inch gingerbread cookies to decorate and take home Cost: $50. Eventbrite fees apply. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

Orange and Spice Dough Bowl Candle Making Workshop

: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $35 class fee plus a $25 materials fee (exact change requested). Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Author Event: Cynthia Zarin in Conversation with Amity Gaige

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Opera Theater of Connecticut Celebrates Holidays and 40 Years

The Opera Theater of Connecticut is celebrating the holiday season and its milestone 40th anniversary year with the enchanting melodies of its Yule Tide Songs and Carols concert, a heartwarming event designed for the whole family. The event promises an atmosphere filled with warmth and wonder, welcoming audiences to immerse themselves in beloved musical traditions and seasonal celebrations.

This year’s concert will be held at the Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Lane, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m.

Accompanied by acclaimed pianist Eric Trudel, the ensemble of singers will bring to life a selection of timeless songs, festive carols, and opera favorites, with melodies revolving around the holiday season and offering both cherished classics and new memories for all ages. Singers include Leah Brzyski, Amy Maude Helfer, Daniel Juárez, Michael McAvoy, and Andrew Martens.

A holiday reception will follow the concert with wine, cheese, and seasonal goodies.

authentic tools and techniques, including roasting and grinding cacao beans and refining chocolate. Includes background on the cultural significance of chocolate during the era. For info or to register (required), visit blackstonelibrary.org.

: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Atwater Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a sock snowman craft for teens. All materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Includes guest speakers. All job seekers welcome. For info or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Russ Allen at 203-457-0121 or RussAllen2@aolcom.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11

General admission tickets are available for $40 per adult and $20 for guests under 18. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 860-669-8999 or visit operatheaterofct.org.

Popcorn and PJs: Virtual Family Story Time

: 7 p.m. Online event. Features Stephen Shaskan, author of and . Cost: $10 for the private link to the event, $30 for the link plus a signed copy of the book, popcorn, crayons, and sketch pad. Service fees apply. Presented by Read to Grow in Branford. For info or to register, call Read to Grow at 203-488-6800 or visit readtogrow.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

Gingerbread House Decorating: Estate: A Novel Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic! Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School

10:30 a.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd. Participants will build and decorate a gingerbread house with supplies provided and any candy they would like to share. One gingerbread house per family. Presented by the Friends of Acton Library. Free and open to all. For info or to

register (required), call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Gingerbread House Workshop

: 4 to 6 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Open to children ages 9 and up. Candy decorations of all varieties will be available to participants, making the event not allergen-free. For info or to register (required), visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Art with Kristin: Abstract Sports Silhouette

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 8 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Make a Sock Snowman: Adult Session:

5 to 6 p.m. Atwater Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a sock snowman craft for adults. All materials pro-

vided. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Jackson and the Olympians Party

:

5 to 7 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features themed activities inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians, with opportunities to earn camp beads. Pizza and refreshments provided. Recommended for ages 10 to 14. For info or to register (required), call 203484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com. Contact the library regarding allergies.

The Historic Art of Chocolate-Making Demonstration

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Hosted by the Branford Historical Society. Features an 18th-century chocolate-making demonstration by guests from The Pewter Pot using historically

10 a.m. Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-4538086 or visit ssill.org.

Tea and Talk

Shop, Sip, and Stroll Unabridged

:

: 2 p.m. Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Hosted by Shoreline Village CT. Guests can enjoy conversation with fellow Shoreline Villagers. For info, contact 203-747-5939 or info@shorelinevillagect.org.

: 5 to 8 p.m. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features refreshments, giftshopping opportunities, and a complimentary treat. For info, visit branfordarts.org/events.

To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.

Press Release from the Opera Theater of Connecticut

Photo courtesy of Opera Theater of Connecticut

Pianist Eric Trudel is one of the performers at the Yule Tide Songs and Carols concert presented by the Opera Theater of Connecticut

Percy

Author Event: Stefan Fatsis in Conversation with Adam Sexton

Make a Sock Snowman: Teen Session:

Guilford Job Network Meet

Performance by Project Music Heals Us

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

Branford House LLC of Branford to Home Helpers LLC, $78,319 on 11/12/2025

Forrest and Blanche Temple of Branford to Joseph Gilhuly, $430,000 on 11/12/2025

Margaret S Lee T and Henry C. Lee of Branford to Vks LLC, $970,000 on 11/12/2025

Nancy Donald RET and N J. Donald of Branford to Richard and Amy Dezenzo, $845,000 on 11/12/2025

Robert J. and Cynthia G. Badrigian of Branford to Endocare Real Estate LLC, $250,000 on 11/12/2025

Robert J. and Cynthia G. Badrigian of Branford to Endocare Real Estate LLC, $250,000 on 11/12/2025

Stephen A. and Marlene G. Brown of Clinton to Guillaume Briere-Giroux and Jennifer Lierer, $2,262,500 on 11/12/2025

Sandra Macioce of Clinton to Eileen R Matthay T and Eileen R. Matthay, $1,500,000 on 11/10/2025 30 Sols Point Rd: 18 Tidewater Ln Unit 18:

EAST HAVEN

30 Bradley Ave:

Marta Martins of East Haven to Jaime V. Delgado and Azucena D. Torres, $390,000 on 11/10/2025

KILLINGWORTH

206 Little City Rd:

Kim C. and

Lawrence J. Pollack of Killingworth to Stephen and Sheryl-Lee Albertson, $650,000 on 11/10/2025

1 Route 148:

James G. Howe of Killingworth to William and Diosdada J. Cox, $733,000 on 11/10/2025

Donald G. and David A. Harris of North Branford to Nathaniel Rose, $525,000 on 11/10/2025

Matthew J. and Stephen D. Hayes of Clinton to Bluff Properties LLC and Vincent A. Neri, $95,000 on 11/12/2025

Ostrander

William A Est and Lisa Mansfield of Clinton to Ann Burke and Emily G. Cruzeiro, $410,000 on 11/10/2025

Arsen and Ave M. Hovsepian of Clinton to Rosario H. Castro, $490,000 on 11/10/2025

Judy Postemsky of Clinton to Daniel Gonzalez-Hincapie, $375,000 on 11/10/2025

20 Comstock Ave Unit 2C:

Shallow20 LLC of Essex to Joseph Lopez, $269,750 on 11/10/2025

GUILFORD

455 Birch Dr:

Michael P. and Kerry L. Mcgowan of Guilford to Paul K. and Melanie E. Kregling, $1,350,000 on 11/14/2025

1270 Durham Rd:

Eva S Delli Paoli

Irt and Greg P. Maurer of Guilford to Mark and Thanit Lyons, $629,000 on 11/10/2025

65 Prospect Ave:

Stephen E Vance RET and Stephen E. Vance of Guilford to John R. Atwater and Beryl Kammerer, $1,500,000 on 11/12/2025

MADISON

14 Horseshoe Ln:

Nancy A. Torpey of Madison to Janet M. Brown, $715,200 on 11/12/2025

NORTH BRANFORD

38 Dinwoodie Dr:

Fair Investments LLC of North Branford to Alicia Flores, $465,000 on 11/10/2025

40 North St:

Donald G. and David A. Harris of North Branford to Nathaniel Rose, $525,000 on 11/10/2025

Russell P. Lanziero and Theresa M. Broadwell of Old Saybrook to Meadow Cove LLC, $358,000 on 11/12/2025

Dylan Ficke of Old Saybrook to Stephen Scorziello and Amy Lionetti-Scorziello, $379,000 on 11/14/2025

Theresa and Rob Cassin of Old Saybrook to Fortitude Marine Enterpri, $17,500 on 11/14/2025

Dgg Properties Co Inc of Westbrook to Christine M. and Chad K. Iris, $12,500 on 11/10/2025

Dgg Properties Co Inc of Westbrook to Peter A. and Pamela K. Barile, $12,500 on 11/10/2025

Westbrook Landing LLC of Westbrook to Joy and Randy Biebel, $400,000 on 11/12/2025

Meghan E. and Garrett Havican of Westbrook to Kenneth C Dyer T and Kenneth C. Dyer, $1,350,000 on 11/10/2025